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Enquire TodayCountry Facts
Capital
Kigali
Size
26,338 square kilometers
Time Zone
Rawanda (GMT+2)
Population
approximately 14.6 million
Currency
Rwandan franc (RWF)
Rwanda Travel Guide
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations, combining dramatic mountain scenery, ancient rainforest, open savannah and the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu within a relatively compact country. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is particularly famous for its mountain gorillas, but there is far more to discover.
A journey can combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe, a traditional safari in Akagera, time exploring Kigali or a relaxing stay beside Lake Kivu.
This Rwanda Travel Guide provides practical information to help you plan your journey, including the country’s climate, entry requirements, health considerations, getting around and the best time to visit.
For inspiration, see our guide to Rwanda’s best attractions, or explore our bespoke Rwanda holidays.
Why Visit Rwanda?
Rwanda offers an unusually varied combination of wildlife, landscapes and cultural experiences in a relatively small area.
- Mountain gorillas: Trek through the forests of Volcanoes National Park to see habituated mountain gorilla families.
- Chimpanzees: Explore the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park in search of chimpanzees and other primates.
- Safari: Discover elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, rhinoceros and other wildlife in Akagera National Park.
- Scenery: Travel through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, volcanic landscapes and highland forests.
- Lake Kivu: Relax beside one of Africa’s Great Lakes, with opportunities for kayaking, boating, walking and cycling.
- Kigali: Experience Rwanda’s modern capital and learn about the country’s history, culture and remarkable recent transformation.
Volcanoes National Park and Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most famous wildlife destination and the starting point for mountain gorilla trekking.
The park protects part of the Virunga volcanic range and its high-altitude forests provide a habitat for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Gorilla treks are led by experienced guides and trackers, with visitors spending time observing a habituated gorilla family in its natural environment.
Trekking can be physically demanding because the terrain is steep, uneven and sometimes muddy. The length of each trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla family on the day.
Gorilla permits are limited, so anyone planning to include gorilla trekking in a Rwanda holiday should arrange the experience well in advance.
Read more about Rwanda’s best attractions or speak to our team about planning a private gorilla trekking itinerary.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda provides a striking contrast to the mountains and forests of the north-west.
The park’s savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes support a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhinoceros, together with giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos and numerous bird species.
A safari in Akagera can be combined with gorilla trekking to create a particularly varied Rwanda wildlife holiday.
Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park protects a vast area of ancient montane rainforest in south-western Rwanda. The forest is particularly important for primates and birdlife and is one of the country’s major destinations for chimpanzee tracking.
The Nyungwe Canopy Walk is another highlight, taking visitors above the forest floor for spectacular views across the treetops and surrounding landscape.
For travellers interested in wildlife beyond gorillas, Nyungwe is an excellent addition to a Rwanda itinerary.
Kigali
Kigali is Rwanda’s capital and an important part of understanding the country.
The city spreads across a series of hills and has a growing selection of restaurants, cafés, galleries, markets and cultural attractions. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is an important place to visit, providing essential context about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s history.
Allowing some time in Kigali at the beginning or end of your journey can add an important cultural dimension to a wildlife-focused itinerary.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu lies along Rwanda’s western border and is one of the country’s most scenic regions.
The lakeside towns of Gisenyi, Kibuye and Cyangugu provide different bases from which to explore the area. Depending on your interests, activities can include kayaking, boat trips, walking and cycling, or simply relaxing beside the lake.
Lake Kivu is particularly well suited to travellers who want some slower-paced time between more active wildlife experiences.
Preparing For A Trip To Rwanda?
Visa Information / Entry requirements – Ruwanda
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
Rwanda Visa and Entry Requirements for UK Travellers
British citizens travelling to Rwanda for tourism need a visa, but UK citizens are eligible for a free 30-day visa on arrival because the United Kingdom is a member of the Commonwealth.
You can also apply for a Rwandan visa in advance if preferred. Rwanda allows visitors to obtain visas on arrival, while applications can also be made online or through a Rwandan diplomatic mission.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Rwanda and have at least one blank page available for entry stamps.
Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest UK government Rwanda entry requirements before travelling.
Read More On Visas
Tourism Health Information – Ruwanda
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical treatment
According to Rwandan law, any person on Rwandan territory must have health insurance.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Only limited medical facilities are available in Rwanda. In the event of serious accident or illness evacuation by air ambulance to Kenya or South Africa may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Read More On Health
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda?
Rwanda can be visited throughout the year, but the generally drier periods are particularly popular for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, hiking and safari.
The main dry season runs from June to September. There is also a shorter dry period around December to February, although conditions vary between regions. Rwanda has two principal rainy periods, broadly March to May and October to December.
The wetter months can still be an excellent time to visit. The landscape becomes especially lush and green, and Rwanda’s high-altitude climate means temperatures are generally comfortable rather than excessively hot.
For gorilla trekking, the drier months can make forest paths easier to navigate, although gorilla trekking remains possible throughout the year.
Read More On Weather
Getting Around Rwanda
Rwanda’s relatively compact size makes it possible to combine several different regions within one holiday, although travelling between destinations still requires careful planning.
For a tailor-made holiday, private vehicle and driver-guide arrangements offer the greatest flexibility. They allow you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way rather than following a fixed public transport schedule.
International visitors generally arrive through Kigali International Airport, from where journeys to Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu can be arranged as part of a private itinerary.
What Should I Pack for Rwanda?
Your packing list will depend on the regions and activities included in your itinerary.
- Lightweight clothing for warmer daytime conditions.
- Warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings, particularly at higher elevations.
- Waterproof clothing and a lightweight rain jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for gorilla trekking and forest walks.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved clothing for trekking and outdoor activities.
- Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Insect repellent.
- A small daypack for trekking and day excursions.
We can provide more specific packing advice once your itinerary and activities have been confirmed.
Responsible Travel in Rwanda
Rwanda’s wildlife and natural landscapes are among its greatest assets, making responsible tourism particularly important.
Gorilla trekking is carefully managed to protect the animals and their habitat, while tourism across the country’s national parks contributes to conservation and local economies.
At Earth Trip, we believe responsible travel should be part of the planning process rather than an afterthought. Read more about our approach to responsible travel.
Plan Your Rwanda Holiday With Earth Trip
Rwanda is small enough to explore in a single journey but varied enough to reward careful planning. The best itinerary depends on what matters most to you, whether that is gorilla trekking, wildlife, photography, hiking, culture, relaxation or a combination of experiences.
At Earth Trip, we create private, tailor-made Rwanda holidays around your interests, available time and preferred style of travel.
Explore our Rwanda bespoke holidays, discover Rwanda’s best attractions, or contact our specialist team to begin planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rwanda Travel
Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
Yes. British citizens need a visa to enter Rwanda, but UK passport holders are eligible for a free 30-day visa on arrival under Rwanda’s Commonwealth visa arrangements. You can also apply in advance if preferred.
How long must my passport be valid for Rwanda?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Rwanda and you should have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
What is the best month to visit Rwanda?
June to September is generally the main dry season and is popular for gorilla trekking, safari and other outdoor activities. December to February is another relatively dry period. Rwanda can be visited year-round, however, and the wetter months produce particularly lush landscapes.
How many days do I need in Rwanda?
Around 7 to 10 days works well for a first trip combining Kigali, gorilla trekking and another major destination. Around 10 to 14 days allows more time to combine Volcanoes National Park with Akagera, Nyungwe or Lake Kivu.
Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Rwanda is a popular destination for international visitors, but travel advice can vary by region and can change. Before travelling, check the latest UK government travel advice and discuss any specific concerns with your travel specialist.
What currency is used in Rwanda?
The currency is the Rwandan franc (RWF). Cards are accepted at many hotels and established businesses, although carrying some local currency is useful for smaller purchases and more remote areas.
Can I combine Rwanda with Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda?
Yes. Rwanda can be combined with other East African destinations where the routing and border requirements make sense. A popular option is to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a safari in Tanzania. Earth Trip can design a multi-country itinerary around your interests.
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